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Threats to Habitats

Pollution and habitat threats

Pressures on coastal and marine systems are growing more intense. As rapid development and population growth continue in coastal areas, increasingly heavy demands will be placed on the natural resources and remaining natural habitats along the coasts.

On islands and in coastal areas, the main types of pollution in coastal waters include sediment runoff, sewage, solid waste, high nutrient loads, synthetic organic chemicals, oil, and pathogens. These result in eutrophication, and deteriorating of water quality, which have adverse effects on coastal ecosystems and their living resources.